"That would be telling," Walsh says with infuriating calm. "Let's just say James made enemies in prison. Dangerous ones."
A sick feeling settles in my stomach. James has mentioned trouble inside, rival gangs, power struggles. I'd assumed it was the usual prison politics, nothing that would follow him out.
"Fix it," I growl. "Call them off."
"I'm afraid that's impossible," Walsh says. "The arrangement is already in place. Money has changed hands. Promises have been made."
I pull my fist back, ready to wipe the smug look off his face.
"Dice," Reaper's voice cuts through the red haze of my anger. "Not here."
I hesitate, torn between obedience to my president and the overwhelming urge to hurt Walsh.
"He's not worth it," Maddie says quietly. "We need to focus on James now."
She's right, and I know it. With supreme effort, I release Walsh's shirt and step back.
"Smart choice," Walsh straightens his collar. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have travel arrangements to make."
"This isn't over," I promise him.
"For me, it is," he replies with a shrug. "Your brother's problems are his own."
I can't help myself. My fist connects with his jaw before anyone can stop me. Walsh stumbles back, more surprised than hurt. His security men raise their weapons again, but Blade and Reaper still have them covered.
"Consider that a parting gift," I spit. "If my brother gets so much as a scratch, I'm coming for you. And there won't be enough security in the world to stop me."
Walsh rubs his jaw, a flicker of genuine fear finally showing in his eyes. "Duly noted."
Reaper gestures toward the door. "We're done here. Blade, make sure our hosts honor their promise to leave town."
Outside, the rest of the club is still in formation, an intimidating presence on the circular drive. Ghost raises an eyebrow in question when he sees my bruised knuckles.
"We need to talk," Reaper says to the group. "Back at the clubhouse."
The ride back is tense, with Maddie's arms wrapped tightly around my waist. My mind races with possibilities, each worse than the last. What has Walsh set in motion? Who has James crossed? And most importantly, how do we protect him?
Back at the clubhouse, Reaper calls everyone into the chapel. For once, he includes Maddie without hesitation, recognizing that this concerns her as much as any of us.
"Walsh will leave town," he informs the rest of the group. "That problem is handled. But we have a new issue. James Thompson may be in danger upon his release."
"What kind of danger?" Viper asks, always direct.
"Unknown," Reaper admits. "Walsh claims James made enemies in prison, and that some sort of 'arrangement' is already in place."
"Could be bullshit," Wilder suggests. "Trying to get in your head."
"Maybe," I acknowledge. "But we can't take that chance. Not with a prospect’s brother."
"What's the plan?" Knight asks, looking surprisingly concerned for someone who's never met my brother.
"We beef up security for his release," Reaper decides. "Full club presence. No chances taken. Ghost, reach out to your contacts inside the prison, see what you can learn about who James might have crossed."
"I know some people too," Maddie offers. "From my... previous work. They might have information."
"Good," Reaper nods. "Ace, work with her on that. The rest of you, be ready to move when we know more."
As the meeting breaks up, I pull Maddie aside. "You okay?"
